[VIDEO] The Gwich’in Nation And Protecting The Arctic Refuge

Nearly 30 years ago, the elders and traditional leaders of the Gwich’in Athabascans congregated for the first customary gathering of their Nation in more than a century. Those in attendance unanimously decided to speak with one voice against oil and gas development in the birthing and nursing grounds of the Porcupine Caribou Herd.

This summer, the Gwich’in Nation renewed that call to Congress and the president to permanently protect the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, for the caribou and the Gwich’in that have relied on them for generations.

Photographer Gabriel Ponte Fleary traveled to Arctic Village for this year’s Gwich’in Gathering, and created this short documentary on the history of the Gwich’in and the Arctic Refuge.

Tell President Obama to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge once and for all!

Alaska Wilderness League leads the effort to preserve Alaska’s wild lands and waters by engaging citizens and decision makers with a courageous, constant, victorious voice for Alaska. Visit the website of our sister organization Alaska Wilderness Action to learn more about its legislative and political advocacy to protect Alaska’s wild places.